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Engineering Guide Air Distribution
Engineering Guide Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
Air Distribution
Please refer to the Price Engineer’s HVAC Handbook
for more information on Air Distribution.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Primary Air
Primary air is defined as the conditioned
Drop
air discharged by the supply outlet. This 6 ft [1.8 m]
Height, ft [m]
air provides the motive force for room air Natural Convection Throw
motion.
Total Air Induced Occupied
Room Air Zone
Total air is defined as the mixture of primary
air and entrained room air which is under
the influence of supply outlet conditions.
This is commonly considered to be the air
within an envelope of 50 fpm [0.25 m/s] (or Primary Air Total Air
greater) velocity.The temperature difference
between the total air and the room air
creates buoyant effects which cause cold
supply air to drop and warm air to rise. Figure 2: Space air diffusion with overhead heating
Throw Temperature
Throw is the distance from the center 0
of the outlet face to a point where the Coanda Effect SUPPLY
velocity of the air stream is reduced to
a specified velocity, usually 150 [0.75],
Height, ft [m]
100 [0.50] or 50 fpm [0.25 m/s] (Figure 3).
6 ft [1.8 m]
T h e s e v e l o c i t i e s a r e r e f e rr e d t o
Natural Convection
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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the ceiling and fall into the occupied zone. Plan View Plan View Plan View Plan View
This condition is known as 'dumping' and
should be avoided.
Plan View Plan View Plan View Plan View
Spread
Spread is the horizontal width of the air Diffuser
Diffuser
jet being discharged by the air outlet.
Delivering the air in a spread pattern tends
to reduce both the throw and the drop of an Diffuser
air outlet. As with the throw and drop, the 4 Way 3 Way 2 Way 1 Way
same three terminal velocities are used to 4 Way 3 Way 2 Way 1 Way
discuss spread: 150 [0.75], 100 [0.50] and 50 Plan View Section View Section View Section View
fpm [0.25 m/s]. Dissipating the air stream Plan View Section View Section View Section View
4 Way 3 Way 2 Way 1 Way
over a wider area increases entrainment and
reduces the mass flow per unit surface area
Plan View Section View Section View Section View
(Figure 5).
Pressure Drop
Every air outlet produces a pressure loss
when air is passed through it. The magnitude
of the pressure loss will vary depending Circular Horizontal Vertical Plenum Slot, 2 Way Plenum Slot, 1 Way
on the model, size and geometry of the Circular Horizontal Vertical Plenum Slot, 2 Way Plenum Slot, 1 Way
air outlet, and is measured in in. w.g. [Pa].
Plan View Plan View Section View Section View
Pressure drop will increase proportionally Plan View Plan View SectionSlot,
View SectionSlot,
View
Circular Horizontal Vertical Plenum 2 Way Plenum 1 Way
with air flow. The pressure drop of the air
outlet must be taken into account when
calculating the system pressure when Plan View Plan View Section View Section View
selecting the supply fan.
Noise Level
Typically, the noise level of an air outlet
is rated with a Noise Criteria (NC) sound
pressure value based on an industry Sidewall Straight Sidewall Spread Floor 0° Deflection Floor 30° Deflection
Sidewall Straight Sidewall Spread Floor 0° Deflection Floor 30° Deflection
standard 10 dB default for room absorption.
This NC value assumes an average room
and approximate distance of 5 ft [1.5 m] from Sidewall Straight Sidewall Spread Floor 0° Deflection Floor 30° Deflection
a single source. For a detailed explanation
of the NC rating method see Chapter 7—
Basics of Acoustics in the Price Engineer's
HVAC Handbook.
An air outlet's noise level (NC rating) is
directly proportional to the air volume
supplied through the outlet, with the sound Figure 5: Drop (left), spread (right)
increasing as more air is supplied. Larger
size outlets generally are quieter at the Vertical Cross Section Plan View
same air flow than smaller sizes of the same
model due to higher free area and/or lower
inlet velocity. Outlets should be selected so Angle of Discharge
that the resultant NC level does not exceed
the ASHRAE recommended values for the
particular space being considered.
Terminal
Velocity
Envelope Spread
Drop Throw
Vertical Spread
Throw
Air Outlets
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Air Outlets
Selection Procedures
Throw
Figure 23: Throw of outlet
Achieving the proper throw for a specific application is critical to
proper outlet selection.Throw data is usually presented at terminal
velocities of 150 [0.75], 100 [0.50] and 50 fpm [0.25 m/s]. Generally
Throw = A + B
EG-14
© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Selection Procedures
Spread
Figure 27: Plan view of spread vs. throw
Spreading the air pattern dissipates the air stream over a wider
area and increases entrainment. This reduces the mass flow per 0°Deflection
unit surface area, which in turn reduces throw. Some outlets are 22.5°Deflection
designed to produce a spread pattern due to their geometry, while
AIR DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING GUIDE
others such as supply grilles have adjustable vanes (Figure 27). 45°Deflection
Spreading the air is an effective way of reducing throw to avoid air
pattern collisions with boundaries or other air jets. 8 ft [2.4 m]
14 ft [4.3 m]
15 ft [4.6 m]
PRODUCT TIP
Some models
modelsof of
plenum
plenum
slot diffusers
slot diffusers
and linear
andslot
linear
plenums
slot
plenums
are constructed
are constructed
with a sloped
with ashoulder
sloped shoulder
plenum.plenum.
The sloped
The
sloped plenum
plenum createscreates
a natural
a natural
spreading
spreading
of of
the
theair
air pattern,
pattern,
substantially reducing the throw.
Figure 28: Continuous grille
PRODUCT TIP
Louvered face supply grilles with adjustable blades provide a
measure of flexibility for the designer and building operator
as the throw and spread of the outlet can be field adjusted
Throw
to account for changes in air volume, occupancy or ceiling
layout.
Air Volume
Throw is directly related to mass flow, therefore a reduction
in air volume per outlet will reduce the throw. This can be
achieved by utilizing more outlets with less air volume Figure 29: Active and inactive sections
per outlet. For linear diffusers or grilles, the same thing
can be achieved by dividing the outlet into active and
inactive sections (Figure 29). Each active section handles
a smaller quantity of air, thereby reducing the throw. In order to
effectively separate the air pattern, the outlet should be divided by Throw
minimum inactive length (Table 1).
Air Pattern
The outlet air pattern has a large influence on the throw. 1 way
patterns tend to have the longest throw, while 4 way or round
patterns have the shortest. The diffuser model will also affect the Active/Inactive Sections
throw. SeeTable 2 for a comparison of ceiling diffuser throw at equal
air volume for various diffuser models and air patterns. The layout
of the ceiling and availability of installation location will determine
the optimum air pattern for the application.
Mapping Table 1: Plan view of active and inactive sections
One method of selecting outlets based on throw is known as 10 [3]
Length of Active Sections, ft [m] 1 [0.3] 5 [1.5]
'mapping.' The cataloged throw is referenced and corrected for
cooling if conditioned air is supplied.The corrected throw is plotted Length of Inactive Sections, ft [m] 1 [0.3] 2 [0.6] 3 [0.9]
on the reflected ceiling plan and checked for interference with
obstructions, walls or other air jets. Table 2: Ceiling DiffuserThrow Comparison - 24 in. x 24 in. module
[610 mm x 610 mm], 380 cfm, 700 fpm neck velocity, isothermal
conditions, 50 fpm [0.25 m/s] terminal velocity
Example 1
A Model 520 size 6 in. x 5 in. supply grille operating at 150 cfm has been selected to supply a 10 ft x 15 ft room as illustrated in Figure 27.
What is the best deflection setting of the diffuser blades if conditioned cool air is supplied?
SMALL OFFICE
15 ft
Table 3: Model 520 series, 6 in. x 5 in. supply grille performance data
EG-16
© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Selection Procedures
Velocity, m/s
= draft temperature
-3
2
0
Tx = local temperature
ɵ=
ɵ=
ɵ=
40 0.20
Tc = control temperature
Vx = local velocity 30 0.15
Research indicates that a high percentage of
people are comfortable when the effective
20 0.10
draft temperature difference is between -3 °F
[-2 °C] and +2 °F [+1 °C] and the air velocity 10 0.05
is less than 70 fpm [0.36 m/s]. This comfort
zone is illustrated as the shaded area in 0 0
Figure 30. -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
Using this draft temperature as our criteria,
Local Air Temp. - Ambient Temp., ˚F (T - Tc)˚F
the quality of room air diffusion can be
determined based on the Air Diffusion
Performance Index (ADPI). ADPI is defined
as the percentage of locations in the Table 4: Characteristic length for various diffuser types
occupied space which meet the comfort
criteria based on velocity and temperature
measurements taken at a given number Diffuser Type Characteristic Length, L
of uniformly distributed points. This ADPI
value has proven to be a valid measure of
an air diffusion system. High Sidewall Grille Distance to wall perpendicular to jet
The ADPI rating of an air diffusion system
depends on a number of factors: Circular Ceiling Diffuser Distance to closest wall or intersecting air jet
• Outlet type
• Room dimensions and diffuser layout
Sill Grille Length of room in the direction of the jet flow
• Room load
• Outlet throw
When properly selected, most outlets can Ceiling Slot Diffuser Distance to wall or midplane between outlets
achieve an acceptable ADPI rating.
The higher the ADPI rating, the higher the Distance to midplane between outlets, plus
quality of room air diffusion within the Light Troffer Diffusers
distance from ceiling to top of occupied zone
space. Generally an ADPI of 80 is considered
acceptable. Perforated, Louvered Ceiling
Distance to wall or midplane between outlets
Through extensive testing, relationships Diffusers
have been developed between ADPI
and the ratio of throw over characteristic
It should be noted that Table 4 is based on a standard 9 ft [2.7 m] ceiling height. For rooms
length (T/L). Throw is the isothermal
with ceiling heights lower or higher, the characteristic length should be corrected down
throw at a selected terminal velocity taken
or up by the difference from 9 ft [2.7 m].
from catalog performance charts. The
characteristic length is the distance from For example, a 20 ft [6.1 m] long room with a 12 ft [3.7 m] ceiling height and high sidewall
the outlet to the nearest boundary. Table grille:
4 provides definition of characteristic length Distance from grille to perpendicular wall = 20 ft [6.1 m], height correction: 12 - 9 = 3 ft
for various outlet types. See Figure 31 for (3.7 - 2.7 = 1 m] , characteristic length: 20 + 3 = 23 ft [6.1 + 1 = 7.1 m].
further clarification.
Note that the ADPI is applicable only for cooling mode conditions and can be field or lab
measured using the test method described in ASHRAE Standard 113.
Selection Procedures
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Selection Procedures
VAV Applications
Figure 32: Ceiling diffuser
When selecting air outlets forVAV applications it is important to analyze
the ADPI at both the maximum and reduced flow conditions. For
most outlets the throw, and consequently the T/L ratio, drops off as SPi
the air flow through the diffuser is decreased. If the T/L ratio drops
AIR DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING GUIDE
too low ADPI can be compromised. Selecting an outlet for high VPi
ADPI at maximum flow does not ensure acceptable air distribution
in the space when the load is reduced. Since ADPI is a measure of
the air diffusion quality in the space, we are not concerned with
the ADPI value when the space is unoccupied with the air outlet
at minimum volume. We should, however, review the selection at
low load conditions, such as when occupancy is reduced and/or
external loads are at minimum.
Refer to Chapter 9—Mixing Ventilation in the Price Engineer's HVAC
Handbook for examples that provide a step-by-step procedure for
selection of air outlets using ADPI.
Pressure Drop
Supply air outlets produce both a static pressure loss and a velocity Figure 33: Slot diffuser
pressure loss. The static pressure loss is equal to the difference
between the inlet static pressure (SPi) and the room pressure
(usually atmospheric). The static pressure loss is dependent on
outlet geometry and/or free area and must be derived by test. Static SPi
pressure loss is directly proportional to the volume of air supplied VPi
through the outlet. The velocity pressure loss is equal to the velocity
pressure at the inlet (VPi) and the room velocity pressure (zero).
See Figure 32 and Figure 33.
The inlet velocity, and subsequently the velocity pressure loss, can
be calculated from equations 2 and 3. The total pressure loss of an
outlet is equal to the sum of the static and velocity pressure losses
(equation 4).
Most catalog data lists the total pressure loss for a given air volume.
If velocity pressure is provided, the static pressure can be derived
from equation 4; however, if velocity pressure is not provided, it
can be calculated based on the inlet velocity. For ceiling diffusers
and plenum slot diffusers the inlet velocity is based on the inlet
area. For sidewall grilles and registers the inlet velocity is based
on the grille core area.
Velocity Eq.2
Example 2
A model SDB 100 2 slot, 60 in. diffuser with Table 6: Model SDB 100, 2-slot, 60 in. diffuser - 8 in. round inlet performance data
8 in. round inlet is selected for 280 cfm. What
is the pressure loss? Performance Data - Model SDB 100, 2-slot, 60 in. diffuser - 8 in. Round Inlet
From Table 6 performance data, the total
Capacity, cfm 160 190 220 250 280 310
EG-20
© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Selection Procedures
Noise Criteria Table 7: Diffuser sound comparison - 24 in. x 24 in. module [610 mm x 610 mm], 380 cfm
The first step in selection of an air outlet [180 L/s], 700 fpm [3.6 m/s] neck velocity
is defining the actual model type. A Diffuser Type NC Level
large variety of outlet styles, shapes and
configurations are available. In many cases Square Cone 17
AIR DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING GUIDE
Selection Procedures
Guidelines to Minimize Noise in an Air Table 9: Design guidelines for HVAC system noise in unoccupied spaces
Distribution System
• Size the ductwork and duct elements for Room Types RC / NC
low air velocity. Private Residences 25-35
They represent general limits of acceptability for typical building occupancies. Higher or lower values may be
appropriate and should be based on a careful analysis of economics, space use and user needs.
b When quality of sound in the space is important, specify criteria in terms of RC(N). If the quality of the sound in
the space is of secondary concern, the criteria may be specified in terms of NC or NCB levels of similar magnitude.
c Anexperienced acoustical consultant should be retained for guidance on acoustically critical spaces (below
RC 30) and for all performing arts spaces.
d Some educators and others believe that HVAC-related sound criteria for schools, as listed in previous editions
of this table, are too high and impede learning for affected groups of all ages. See ANSI Standard S12.60-2002
for classroom acoustics and a justification for lower sound criteria in schools. The HVAC component of total
noise meets the background noise requirement of that standard if HVAC-related background sound is RC 25(N).
e RC or NC criteria for these spaces need only be selected for the desired speech.
Reference • 2007 ASHRAE Applications Handbook, Table 42, page 47.34
• AHRI Standard 885-2008, Table 15, page 31
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Description
Figure 34: Low temperature air outlets
Low temperature air distribution systems
Linear Outlet Swirl Outlet
typically supply conditioned air at nominal
temperatures of between 42 °F [6 °C] and
47 °F [8 °C], as compared to conventional
AIR DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING GUIDE
Industrial Ventilation
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Air Distribution
Engineering Guide
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Conversion Factors
References
ACGIH (2004). Industrial ventilation manual of recommended practice.
AHRI. Standard 855—Procedure for estimating occupied space sound levels in the application of air terminals and
air outlets.
ASHRAE (2007). Chapter 29. ASHRAE handbook—HVAC applications. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers.
ASHRAE (2007). Chapter 47. ASHRAE handbook—HVAC applications. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers.
ASHRAE (2007). Chapter 56. ASHRAE handbook—HVAC applications. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Engineers.
ASHRAE (2009). Chapter 8. ASHRAE handbook—Fundamentals. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration,
Air-Conditioning Engineers.
ASHRAE (2009). Chapter 20. ASHRAE handbook—Fundamentals.Atlanta, GA:American Society of Heating, Refrigeration,
Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Kirkpatrick, A. T., & Elleson, J. S. (1996). Cold air distribution system design guide. Atlanta, GA: American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Nevins, R. G. (1976). Air diffusion dynamics, theory, design and application. Birmingham, MI: Business News Publishing
Company.
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© Copyright Price Industries Limited 2011. All Metric dimensions ( ) are soft conversion.
Imperial dimensions are converted to metric and rounded to the nearest millimetre.